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Costco Wholesale shares rose 0.022% in after-hours trading after the board approved a $1.47 quarterly cash dividend.
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Filed: 2026-10-16 AccNo: 0000909832-26-000100 Size: 143 KB Item 5.02: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers Item 9.01: Financial Statements and Exhibits
The Federal Reserve's 0.25% rate hike in September, with inflation at 3.7%, signals potential additional hikes in 2026. Rising interest rates affect retail stocks differently: Costco and Walmart are positioned to benefit from higher inflation and affluent consumers trading down, while Home Depot faces headwinds from reduced home improvement spending due to higher mortgage rates. Target's turnaround momentum could be threatened by inflation-weary consumers seeking bargains.
Costco is recommended as a defensive stock choice during potential market downturns. The retailer demonstrates resilience through strong same-store sales growth (6.7% Q4, 6.6% annually), expanding operating profits (13.8% Q4 growth), high membership renewal rates (89.8%), and consistent warehouse expansion (25 new locations added). Despite economic headwinds including inflation and rising interest rates, Costco's value proposition and membership model continue to attract and retain customers.